A mid-19th century Chinese pottery utility jar gets its spontaneity and vitality from thick earthy glazes applied in random drips and dabs of green, cream and brown over a Shiwan clay body. The area around Shiwan in the southern province of Guangdong produced a tremendous range of ceramics over many hundreds of years, from folk figurines to roof tiles to fine works by master potters. Shiwan utility jars such as this one were molded into standard shapes and produced in quantity. The glaze is what makes each one unique. A vivid primitive design is created by unglazed spots interspersed with random green dabs. The green glaze covers the vessel’s lip and shoulders in conventional fashion, and then runs in thin rivers to define fours areas partially covered with cream glaze. The green and cream glazes drip down over a dark brown glaze near the foot. This piece is in very good condition except for a small rim chip (see photo enlargement 2). Dimensions: height 9” (23 cm), diameter 8” (20 cm). SEE MORE ITEMS IN OUR COLLECTION AT WWW.SILKROAD1.COM